Fire Prevention

Smoke & CO alarms

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, including the basement. Place carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on each level and outside sleeping areas, following the manufacturer’s placement instructions.
• Test alarms every month. Make sure everyone recognizes the alarm sounds. Use suitable alerting devices for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Replace removable batteries at least annually and promptly when the low-battery warning sounds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both smoke and CO alarms, including backup batteries.
• Sealed batteries are different: do not open a sealed long-life alarm to change its battery. Replace the unit when instructed or when it signals end of life.
• Replace smoke alarms 10 years after manufacture. Replace CO alarms at the end of their manufacturer-specified service life. Never disable an alarm.

USFA: smoke alarm guidance & handouts

CPSC: carbon monoxide alarms

Space heaters & home heating

• Keep at least 3 feet of clearance between heaters and anything that can burn, including curtains, bedding, furniture, and clothing.
• Plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
• Use a solid, level surface away from foot traffic. Choose a heater with tip-over shutoff and follow its instructions.
• Turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep children and pets away.
• Stop using heaters with damaged cords or plugs. Have heating equipment and chimneys professionally inspected and cleaned annually. Never heat your home with an oven.

USFA: heating safety & printable materials

FEMA: portable heater safety flyer (PDF)

Charging cords & electrical safety

• Replace damaged charging cords. Stop using cables with fraying, exposed wire, cracks, or damaged connectors. Replace damaged chargers too; tape is not a lasting repair.
• Use charging equipment intended for your device and follow its manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep cords out from under rugs and away from places where doors or furniture can pinch them.
• Avoid overloaded outlets and power strips. Extension cords are for temporary use, not a substitute for permanent wiring.
• Have a qualified electrician investigate sparking outlets, burning smells, discoloration, or repeated breaker trips.

USFA: appliance & electrical safety

E-bike & e-scooter batteries

• Use the supplied charger or a replacement the device manufacturer confirms is tested and approved for that device. A plug that fits does not prove compatibility.
• Charge only while awake and present. Disconnect the charger when charging is complete. Follow storage and charging instructions even when the vehicle is not in regular use.
• Keep charging areas away from combustible materials and keep doors, hallways, and escape routes clear. Do not charge on beds or sofas.
• Use certified products and manufacturer-approved batteries. Do not modify or attempt to rebuild battery packs.
• Keep batteries away from direct sunlight, hot vehicles, and extreme temperatures. Follow the manufacturer’s charging-temperature limits.
• Stop use if a battery swells, leaks, smells unusual, becomes excessively hot, or makes odd noises. If it smokes or burns, leave immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not handle or carry a smoking battery.
• Do not place lithium-ion batteries in household trash or curbside recycling. Ask a battery collection facility how to handle damaged batteries before bringing them in.

CPSC: e-bike & e-scooter charging guidance

USFA: battery safety & handouts

Cooking & everyday fire risks

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling. Turn the burner off if you leave.
• Keep towels, packaging, and other combustibles away from the stovetop. Turn pot handles away from the edge.
• Never put water on a grease fire or carry a burning pan. If you cannot safely control a small fire, get out, close the door behind you, and call 911.
• Keep children away from hot cooking surfaces. Use flameless candles where possible, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

USFA: cooking safety & prevention materials

USFA: more household fire prevention topics

Plan your escape

• Identify two ways out of each room where possible. Keep exits clear and choose a meeting place outside.
• Practice your escape plan with everyone in the household, including arrangements for anyone who needs help getting out.
• When a smoke or CO alarm sounds, get outside and call 911. Stay out until emergency responders say it is safe to return.
• Never go back inside for belongings or pets. Tell firefighters if someone or an animal may still be inside.

USFA: escape planning & family handouts